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Rotation is a strong point for Reds in first half

Rotation is a strong point for Reds in first half

CINCINNATI -- For years, the Reds were plagued with struggles in the starting rotation.

Recent seasons have shown signs of improvement, but the Reds haven't seen the kind of production the 2012 rotation is providing in decades.

The Reds are one of only two clubs, along with the Marlins, to use just five starting pitchers all season -- a modern franchise record.

All five starters have also recorded at least one complete game prior to the All-Star break for the first time since 1985.

"People are always expecting things to stop instead of just letting them be," said Reds manager Dusty Baker. "They're going to stop on their own sooner or later. That might be next year or the year after that or next week, so we just accept it while it's here."

On the Reds' 11-game road trip to close the first half of the season, Cincinnati starters posted a 1.90 ERA with a season-high 10 consecutive quality starts in each of the first 10 games.

The Reds' team ERA of 3.39 at the All-Star break is the lowest since 1990, the last time the club won a World Series title.

"I'm a firm believer that pitching wins championships," said Reds outfielder Ryan Ludwick. "I think historically, when you look at World Series winners over the past five decades or so, you look at the starting rotations and the bullpen, usually teams with good pitching and good defense win championships."